Elk Refuge sleigh ride season comes to an end

A record number of visitors participated in National Elk Refuge sleigh rides this winter.

The refuge reported 36,217 people took a ride to view wintering elk on the refuge. That surpassed the previous high of 32,753 passengers during the 2016-17 season.

Breaking a record didn’t come easy, as the refuge dealt with a government shutdown half-way through the season. The shutdown closed the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center until January 30, which was the ticket vendor for elk refuge sleigh trips. That operation moved to the Home Ranch Welcome Center in downtown Jackson.

Soon after that dilemma was resolved, the area was hit by record-level snow storms. Sleigh rides were canceled or closed six times due to adverse weather. The contractor pulled the seasonal plug two days early due to mud and slush that it made it impossible for either sleigh or wagon this spring.

But, Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell was not disappointed.

“We couldn’t ask for a harder working, dedicated partner than our sleigh ride contractor,” said Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell. “They continually provide safe, enjoyable wildlife viewing experiences no matter what Mother Nature throws at them.”